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Mel: We've got belief back

Boss says win over Spurs will put Albion within touching distance of safety

PEPE Mel reckons his team’s new-found belief after positive performances against Cardiff and Norwich will guide them towards Barclays Premier League safety.

And the Baggies boss is convinced victory over Tottenham tomorrow (ko 3.07pm) would be a huge step to completing that objective.

“If we could win we would be very close to Premier League safety, which is why this game is highly important,” said Mel.

“It’s normal that when a coach comes in midway through the season then a team has problems.

“No team changes its coach halfway through a season if it’s winning everything.

“We've resolved the issues and I think the end to our season will be a good one.

“Each week we've had a different problem but these problems have been resolved. We will have a successful end.

“All I want is for West Bromwich Albion to be in the Premier League next season.

“The players know now that the only route is to be united. The problems have made us more united.

“I think that against Cardiff we played extremely well.

“I think we showed then the team was able to do things well.

“Things were very difficult back in January but I think the team is now believing in itself.”

The only player definitely ruled out of this weekend’s home clash is Zoltan Gera (hamstring) and Mel is delighted he will be able to once again call on key trio Chris Brunt, Claudio Yacob and Billy Jones.

All three have overcome injuries and are available to take on a sixth-placed Spurs team just five points off the Champions League qualification places.

Mel added: “Confidence is high and we’re also getting important players back like Chris Brunt, Billy Jones and Claudio Yacob.

“It is very important we’re all together and we’re strong together.

“Spurs are a team we cannot allow to play.

“They are a team with some very big players and a team that is fighting for a place in Europe.

“In the last four games we have achieved seven points, including two victories, and the team is doing much better.”